According to Norland, Lugar Lab (named after former US Senator Richard Lugar) is not a military object but a research laboratory, an open and transparent facility for scientists of the region.

“The laboratory is managed by the Georgian government and it is an open and transparent facility for scientists, including Russian scientists. They should be interested in coming here to see how the lab is operating, which is equipped with modern technologies,” Richard Norland told the reporters.

Gennady Onishchenko, head of Russia’s state consumer protection agency Rospotrebnadzor, which ordered ban on import of Georgian products to Russia in 2006, said last week that the laboratory represents “a powerful offensive potential.” “Russia deems it to be a direct violation of BWC [Biological Weapons Convention],” Onishchenko was quoted.

The laboratory could threaten the health of Russians through imported wine, vegetables and fruits, said Mr. Onishchenko. He said Russia might need to respond by limiting imports of Georgian wine.